Born on September 14, 1960, in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Maggie Gallagher grew up in a Catholic household with her three siblings. Her parents, William Walter Gallagher, Sr. and Darrilyn Doris Stenz, instilled in her a strong sense of faith and values. Despite her upbringing, Gallagher spent many years as an atheist before eventually returning to the Catholic faith.
She attended Yale University, where she became involved in various political organizations. Gallagher joined the Political Union and was an active member of the Party of the Right. It was during her time at Yale that her passion for politics and traditional values began to take shape.
After graduating from Yale, Gallagher embarked on a career in journalism. She quickly gained recognition as a conservative syndicated columnist, known for her strong stance on traditional marriage and family values. In addition to her work as a columnist, Gallagher co-founded the National Organization for Marriage, a prominent group dedicated to protecting the institution of marriage.
Throughout her career, Gallagher has authored three books on the subject of marriage. In these works, she argues that the traditional institution of marriage is facing significant challenges in modern society. She attributes these challenges to the impact of the sexual revolution and changing cultural norms.
One of Gallagher's key influences throughout her career has been the work of Ayn Rand. Rand's philosophy of objectivism and emphasis on individualism resonated with Gallagher's own beliefs in the importance of personal liberty and autonomy.
Gallagher's dedication to defending traditional marriage has garnered both support and criticism. While some applaud her unwavering stance on the issue, others have raised concerns about the exclusionary nature of her views.
Despite her public persona and advocacy work, Gallagher remains a private individual when it comes to her personal life. She values her time with family and friends, and continues to draw strength from her Catholic faith.
Throughout her career, Gallagher has faced both praise and backlash for her outspoken views on marriage and family. Despite the challenges, she remains steadfast in her commitment to defending traditional values in an ever-changing world.